Image Unveils New Program To Support Retailers

Image Comics today announced new plans to work more effectively with direct market retailers, offering discounts for ordering a wider variety of Image titles and instituting a program that would essentially compensate retailers for floor space dedicated to promoting and merchandising Image titles.

"I've always believed that the best advertising for any product is to have it in the store, and over the last year a lot of our internal conversations, between Robert Kirkman and myself, and amongst our sales and marketing staff, have centered on finding ways to help readers bring more of our titles into their shops with a greater degree of confidence while simultaneously minimizing retailer risk," said Image Comics Publisher Eric Stephenson. "These new programs are designed to support stores of all sizes as they grow their Image presence, and it's our hope that their success will lead to even further retail outreach initiatives as we continue in our efforts to build a healthier, more sustainable marketplace for everyone."

Under Image's Line Wide Discount Incentive, retailers who order 85% or more of Image Comics' periodical titles each month by their Final Order Cut-off dates will receive an additional 2.5% discount on orders of Image Comics periodicals. Qualification will be determined after a complete month's final orders are received, and the qualifying discount will be applied to the following month.

Under Image's Floor Display Program, retailers will be issued a cardboard display which accommodates six titles. Each month those titles will be selected and mailed by Image Comics, and offered at reduced risk to retailers; unsold copies can be returned to Diamond and will not be billed. Stock in the display is considered to be on consignment.

Retailers received an e-mail full of more precise numbers and conditions this morning. Expect more details on these programs to emerge next week when the Image Expo kicks off Comic Con International: San Diego on Wednesday.